Veins are blood vessels that help blood return to the heart. Increased pressure in the superficial veins can lead to the development of varicose veins.
Varicose veins can develop anywhere in your body, but the lower extremities are most commonly affected.
Many factors can increase the risk of developing varicose veins, including:
- heredity
- extra pounds
- age
- pregnancy
- work that requires prolonged sitting or standing
Varicose veins can be treated with non-invasive methods, with little time and without changing the usual rhythm of life. The main goal of treatment is to alleviate symptoms, prevent complications and achieve good cosmetic results. Varicose veins are enlarged, can deform and cause pain. They are usually raised above the skin and convex, and have a red or bluish color.
Varicose veins often occur due to an underlying condition known as chronic venous insufficiency. Varicose veins are very common, especially in women.
Predisposition to varicose veins
Varicose veins can occur in men and women of any age. The most common are:
- women who have had multiple pregnancies
- in postmenopausal women
- in men older than 50 years
- in people of any age who have varicose veins in the family
- for men and women in jobs that require prolonged sitting or standing, such as nurses, teachers, drivers, etc.
What causes varicose veins?
Varicose veins usually develop on the legs because the veins on the legs have to pump blood to the heart against gravity.
Less common causes of varicose veins are phlebitis (inflammation of the veins) and congenital anomalies of the veins. Varicose veins are usually caused by a condition called venous insufficiency.
- Venous valves. The veins in the legs have valves that prevent the return flow of blood. When the functioning of these valves is disturbed, blood in the veins begins to accumulate and is not delivered to the heart completely.
- Varicose veins. The veins enlarge, and the increased pressure leads to the development of varicose veins.
- Weakness of the vein walls. In addition, weakness of the vein walls (due to trauma or blood clots in the past) can also lead to valve damage and the formation of varicose veins.
What are the symptoms of varicose veins?
Many cases of varicose veins are asymptomatic, but visual signs of vein involvement include:
- Large, tortuous and bulging veins
- Swollen ankles, sore feet
- Feeling of heaviness in the legs, especially at night
- Telangiectasias (spider veins) in the same area as varicose veins
- lipodermatosclerosis (hard fatty deposits under the skin)
- Discoloration of the skin to bluish or brown on the lower legs and ankles
- Varicose eczema (congestive dermatitis) dry, itchy and red skin on the affected area
- leg cramps
- restless legs syndrome
How to cure varicose veins?
There are different types of treatments for varicose veins. The best treatment depends on the structure of your venous system:
- Location and size of the affected vein
- Presence or absence of symptoms
- Presence of related skin changes (eg dermatitis, edema, ulceration, etc. )
Treatment of varicose veins without surgery is a top priority. Potentially effective treatments for varicose veins include:
- Sclerotherapy. Introduction of a special drug into the vein, which leads to sticking to the walls of the vessel
- Laser ablation Destruction of abnormal veins by radiofrequency, laser or other techniques
- Miniphlebectomy. Surgical painless treatment of varicose veins
Is it safe to treat varicose veins?
You can often see search queries on the Internet such as "medicines to treat varicose veins, treat varicose fats, treat varicose veins at home or treat varicose veins with folk remedies". Such methods do not have an effective evidence base, and self-medication only delays high-quality therapy and worsens the condition of the veins.
Laser treatment of varicose veins is safe and practical. The advent of minimally invasive therapy in the early 2000s led to a very favorable prognosis and minimal risks for most treatments.
It is important to contact a specialized phlebologist so that he can choose an individual treatment plan that will focus on the specific course of your disease.
How to diagnose varicose veins?
- Overview. A phlebologist performs a physical examination and takes a complete medical history, taking into account your symptoms and the condition of your venous system.
- Ultrasound examination. To detect venous insufficiency, the doctor will prescribe an ultrasound examination. Vein ultrasound allows a complete assessment of your venous system. The doctor will check if you have blood clots by seeing at what level the varicose veins are located.
What happens if varicose veins are not treated?
If you do not feel any symptoms, then you can control the condition of the veins without treatment. However, in some cases, varicose veins can lead to the development of blood clots or venous ulcers (wounds that do not heal). Sometimes a varicose vein can rupture and cause severe bleeding. If you have developed varicose veins, it is recommended to consult and see a phlebologist.